The Cleveland Guardians had multiple players take part in the World Baseball Classic. With that tournament winding down, those players are returning to spring training, which is forcing some last-minute adjustments and reevaluations as the team puts together its Opening Day roster.
With just a handful of spring games remaining, the Guardians still have some questions to answer in the outfield. Not only do they have to decide on who those players will be, but they also have to determine what alignment they will use.
With Steven Kwan’s status of particular interest as he potentially moves from left field, manager Stephen Vogt said he wants to see Stuart Fairchild in center field now that he is back with the team from the WBC.
“Kwan is making the conversion from left [to] center field, but Vogt said he wanted to see Stuart Fairchild play center. Fairchild, in camp as a spring training invitee, hasn’t gotten much playing time because he was participating for Chinese Taipei in the WBC,” Paul Hoynes wrote.
The Guardians were considering moving Kwan, who is a four-time Gold Glove left fielder, to center field in part to help prospects Chase DeLauter and George Valera make an easier adjustment to their first full major league season by playing the less-demanding corner spots. Also, as the Guardians’ best defensive player, it could be necessary to have Kwan play the most difficult position regardless of those considerations.
However, there is a large potential downside, as Kwan is also one of Cleveland’s top offensive players as its leadoff hitter. He has shown a tendency for extended slumps at the plate as the season goes on, and a more grueling defensive assignment could exacerbate that problem.
The Guardians signed Fairchild to add depth to the organization and perhaps compete for a reserve outfield role. A five-year MLB veteran, he could bring experience to what profiles as a very young group that likely includes last season’s center fielder, Angel Martinez.
If CJ Kayfus holds on to his projected role as a DH, there are likely to be five outfield spots available on the final 26-man roster. If Fairchild can show enough over the final eight spring games, he could potentially land the final one over other contenders, Nolan Jones and Petey Halpin.
After batting .250 with two home runs, six RBIs, and three stolen bases for Chinese Taipei in the WBC, Fairchild may have a good chance to begin this season in the majors.
NEXT: Guardians Still Have Big Decision Before Opening Day
